another.” Mary was not the source of blessing or the Blesser, but rather its recipient. Also, she was blessed among women, not above women. Later the angel added: “for thou hast found favour [or grace] with God” (Luke 1:30). Mary found the favor or grace outside of herself, not within her person. Elisabeth, by the Holy Spirit, said to Mary: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42). The Greek word for “blessed” in both cases is a perfect passive participle.